The Annapurna region is one of the most accessible and diverse trekking areas in Nepal. Just a short drive or flight from Pokhara, it offers everything that makes Himalayan trekking special — without the need for extreme altitude or weeks of walking.
The best seasons for trekking are autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April). In autumn, the skies are clear and the views are sharp. In spring, the forests come alive with rhododendrons and bird calls.
Expect to walk between 4 to 7 hours a day, with altitude gains depending on your route. Most trails don’t require technical skills, but a good fitness level helps. You’ll carry a light bag (porters are available on most treks) and sleep in basic but charming lodges.
The Annapurna region lies in central Nepal, northwest of Pokhara, and covers a large and topographically diverse area. It includes both the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) — the largest protected area in Nepal — and several major river valleys: the Marsyangdi, Kali Gandaki, and Modi Khola.
Trekking in the Annapurnas isn’t just about the mountains — it’s about the people who live among them. Most villages are inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities, with strong traditions, welcoming homes, and deep-rooted knowledge of the land.
You’ll likely stay in small tea houses or homestays. Meals are simple but nourishing — rice, lentils, local vegetables, and the occasional apple pie. Life moves at a slower pace. Children walk to school on stone paths, old women tend buffalo, and prayer flags flutter over every ridge.
These treks offer a chance to see how mountain communities live, far from the cities and traffic — but without being cut off. Many villages now have WiFi, solar panels, and basic medical posts. It’s remote, but not disconnected.
Most treks start from Pokhara or nearby villages like Nayapul, Kande, or Besi Sahar, depending on the route. The lower valleys are subtropical, with terraced farming and dense forests, while the higher altitudes bring alpine landscapes and glacial terrain.
